CS-5 POLLUTION PREVENTION MINI-ASSESSMENT AT AN AUTO BODY REPAIR
COMPANY

FACT SHEET

This fact sheet summarizes the results of a mini-assessment performed by
the Colorado State University Waste Minimization Assessment Center, and
sponsored by the Pollution Prevention Partnership. The objective of this
assessment was to identify practical steps to minimize waste generation at
this auto body repair company by providing technical assistance in
pollution prevention. The purpose of this fact sheet is to promote
adoption of waste reduction at other similar auto body repair facilities.

Located in Greeley, Colorado, Precision Auto Body Repair and Finishing
is a small collision repair shop. The major waste stream include waste
thinner used to clean painting equipment and paint-related hazardous
wastes. Waste minimization practices that were in place at the beginning
of the assessment were:

High volume, low pressure (HVLP) paint guns were used to apply clear
coat and sealers only. The HVLP guns had a higher transfer efficiency
than conventional air- assisted airless paint spray guns. This
technology reduces the amount of paint used and the amount of paint
wastes generated.

Lacquer thinner was circulated and reused in an open paint gun
cleaning appliance. This reduced the volume of thinner required to clean
paint guns.

A hazardous waste fee of 50 cents per finishing hour is assessed to
help defray waste management costs. The monthly collection is $50-$80.

After visiting the facility, discussions with facility personnel,
discussions with suppliers of equipment and services, and analysis of
waste stream data, the following additional waste reduction opportunities
were recommended:

An enclosed paint gun cleaner could be used to reduce the volume of
solvent wastes.

Several techniques could be used to reduce the amount of solvent
purchased for cleaning paint cups and the associated solvent waste
generation.

Implementation of these opportunities would result in a waste reduction
of about 280 gallons per year of hazardous liquid waste. The total annual
savings are $1,020 per year. The estimated implementation cost is $1,950,
resulting in a total payback within 1.9 years.

A follow-up interview with a company representative revealed that
recommendation 2 was implemented.